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Calocheirus asiaticus was described by Dashdamirov (1991) and subsequently briefly redescribed by Dashdamirov & Schawaller (1993) on the basis of the specimens collected from central Asia. The generic position of C. asiaticus is discussed here and redefined as Cardiolpium asiaticum new comb. A full description and illustrations of several newly collected specimens from Fars Province, southern Iran, are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A review of the pseudoscorpion family Ideoroncidae in the Asian region reveals three genera: Dhanus Chamberlin, 1930, Shravana Chamberlin, 1930 and a new genus. Dhanus includes four species, D. sumatranus (Redikorzev, 1922), D. hashimi sp. nov. and D. tioman sp. nov. from Malaysia, and D. lunaris sp. nov. from Cambodia. Dhanus doveri Bristowe, 1952 is newly synonymized with D. sumatranus, and the type locality of D. sumatranus is confirmed as the Dark Cave, in the Batu Cave system, near Kuala Lumpur. Shravana is confirmed as a senior synonym of Nhatrangia Redikorzev, 1938 and includes 13 species: S. laminata (With, 1906) and S. schwendingeri sp. nov., from Thailand, S. charas sp. nov. and S. withi sp. nov. from Malaysia, S. dawydoffi (Redikorzev, 1938), comb. nov. (transferred from Nhatrangia) from Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and the Spratly Islands, S. indica (Murthy & Ananthakrishnan, 1977), comb. nov. (transferred from Dhanus) from India, S. ceylonensis (Mahnert, 1984), comb. nov. (transferred from Nhatrangia) from Sri Lanka, S. afghanica (Beier, 1959), comb. nov. (transferred from Dhanus) and S. magnifica sp. nov. from Afghanistan, S. latens sp. nov. from Iran, and S. pohli (Mahnert, 2007), comb. nov. (transferred from Dhanus), S. socotraensis (Mahnert, 2007), comb. nov. (transferred from Dhanus), and S. taitii (Mahnert, 2007), comb. nov. (transferred from Dhanus) from Socotra. A new genus, Sironcus, is described for the type species Ideobisium (Ideoroncus) siamensis With, 1906 from Thailand and five new species, S. rhiodontus sp. nov. and S. stonei sp. nov. from Thailand, S. sierwaldae sp. nov. from Thailand and Myanmar, S. jerai sp. nov. from northern peninsular Malaysia and S. belaga sp. nov. from Sarawak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Caribbean Islands are a biodiversity hotspot harboring high levels of endemic biodiversity. In an effort to contribute to the characterization of invertebrate diversity in the region, we present an assessment of pseudoscorpion (Arachnida: Pseudoscorpiones) diversity and distribution with a focus on the superfamily Chthonioidea and the family Olpiidae. We used three markers (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, histone H3 and 28S rRNA) to infer the first molecular phylogenies for each lineage and identified 32 putative new species in need of taxonomic assessment. These new records include the documentation of the genera Pseudochthonius Balzan, 1892 Lagynochthonius Beier, 1951, Tyrannochthonius Chamberlin, 1929 (Chthoniidae), Antillolpium Muchmore, 1991, Novohorus Hoff, 1945, and Pachyolpium Beier, 1931 (Olpiidae) on various islands. Chthonioid genera are strongly structured geographically, suggesting that many Caribbean species may be short-range endemics and excellent candidate systems for testing biogeographic hypotheses. The olpiid genus Pachyolpium is less geographically structured, which is consistent with the hypothesis that olpiids are better dispersers than chthonioids. This study aims to provide a foundation for taxonomic and biogeographic work on Caribbean pseudoscorpions, revealing a diversity that is far richer than is documented in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social parasitism is more commonly found among the Hymenoptera. However, a recent study reported a case of parasitism between Neotropical pseudoscorpion species. Here, we extend the knowledge about this relationship, adding information about the species from Colombia. Sampling ofParatemnoides nidificatorcolonies in a secondary dry forest revealed the presence of two other species of pseudoscorpions also sharing the nest of the host. We presented data about the occurrence ofParachernes melanopygusand a second inquiline species of genusLustrochernes(both Chernetidae) and how they affect the host species. Aspects of the species ecology and behaviour are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phylogenetic relationships of the Australian species of Feaellidae are assessed with a molecular analysis using mitochondrial (CO1) and nuclear (ITS2) data. These results confirm the morphological analysis that three previously undescribed species occur in the Pilbara bioregion, which are named and described: Feaella (Tetrafeaella) callani, sp. nov., F. (T.) linetteae, sp. nov. and F. (T.) tealei, sp. nov. The males of these three species, as well as males of F. anderseni Harvey and other unnamed species from the Kimberley region of north-western Australia, have a pair of enlarged, thick-walled bursa that are not found in other feaellids. Despite numerous environmental impact surveys for short-range endemic invertebrates in the Pilbara, very few specimens have been collected, presumably due to their relictual distributions, restricted habitat preferences and low densities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first American species of the pseudoscorpion family Feaellidae is named from specimens collected in the Atlantic Rainforest biome of southern Brazil. The lack of specialized setae on the movable chelal finger suggests that it belongs to a new genus and new species, which we name Iporangella gen. nov. and Iporangella orchama sp. nov., respectively. The only known population of I. orchama is located near Iporanga, São Paulo, and juveniles of an unidentified species are recorded from Ilha da Queimada Grande. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species, Allochernes fimusensis n. sp., collected from cattle dung (a rare habitat for the genus), is described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudoscorpions are found in almost all terrestrial habitats. However, their uniform appearance presents a challenge for morphology-based taxonomy, which may underestimate the diversity of this order. We performed cytogenetic analyses on 11 pseudoscorpion species of the genus Chthonius C. L. Koch, 1843 from the Alps, including three subgenera: Chthonius (Chthonius) C. L. Koch, 1843, C. (Ephippiochthonius) Beier, 1930 and C. (Globochthonius) Beier, 1931 inhabiting this region. The results show that the male diploid number of chromosomes ranges from 21-35. The sex chromosome system X0 has been detected in all male specimens. The X sex chromosome is always metacentric and represents the largest chromosome in the nucleus. Achiasmatic meiosis, already known from the family Chthoniidae, was further confirmed in males of Chthonius. C-banding corroborated the localization of constitutive heterochromatin in the centromere region, which corresponds to heteropycnotic knobs on the standard chromosome preparations. Morphological types and size differentiation of chromosomes in the karyotype suggest that the main chromosomal rearrangements in the evolution of Chthonius are centric or tandem fusions resulting in a decrease in the number of chromosomes. Pericentric inversions, inducing the change of acrocentric chromosomes into biarmed chromosomes, could also be expected. Variability in chromosome morphology and number was detected in several species: C. (C.) ischnocheles (Hermann, 1804), C. (C.) raridentatus, C. (C.) rhodochelatus Hadži, 1930, and C. (C.) tenuis L. Koch, 1873. We discuss the intraspecific variability within these species and the potential existence of cryptic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two species of chewing lice (Eutrichophilus mexicanus and Neotrichodectes mephiditis), 4 species of sucking lice {Fahrenholzia faircliildi, Fahrenholzia ferrisi, Fahrenholzia n. sp., and Hoplopleura mendezi), 4 species of fleas (Kohlsia traubi, Polygenis roberti beebei, Rhopalopsyllus australis australis, and Rhopalopsyllus lugubris), and 1 species of epifaunistic pseudoscorpion (Epichernes guanacastensis) were recorded from native mammals in the Area de Conservacion Guanacaste in northwestern Costa Rica during a parasite All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory from 1996 to 2004. All 6 species of lice were host specific. Fleas were less host specific and included a record of a rodent flea (R. a. australis) from a jaguar, Panthera otica. Epifaunistic pseudoscorpions were recorded only from Salvin's spiny pocket mouse, Liomys salvini, on which they appear to be mutualistic with the host by preying on ectoparasites in the host pelage. Eutrichophilus mexicanis, N. mephiditis, F. ferrisi, H. mendezi, K. traubi, and R. a. australis are reported from Costa Rica for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wyochernes asiaticus (Arachnida: Pseudoscorpiones: Chernetidae) is a pseudoscorpion distributed across Beringia, the areas of Yukon, Alaska and Siberia that remained unglaciated at the last glacial maximum. Along with low temperatures, its streamside habitat suggests that submergence during flood events is an important physiological challenge for this species. We collected W. asiaticus in midsummer from 66.8°N Yukon Territory, Canada, and measured thermal and immersion tolerance. Wyochernes asiaticus is freeze-avoidant, with a mean supercooling point of −6.9 °C. It remains active at low temperatures (mean critical thermal minimum, CT, is −3.6 °C) and has a critical thermal maximum (CT) of 37.8 °C, which is lower than other arachnids and consistent with its restriction to high latitudes. Fifty per cent of W. asiaticus individuals survived immersion in oxygen-depleted water for 17 days, suggesting that this species has high tolerance to immersion during flooding events. To our knowledge, these are the first data on the environmental physiology of any pseudoscorpion and a new addition to our understanding of the biology of polar microarthropods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new Stenohya species belonging to the family Neobisiidae are described from China: Stenohya hainanensis sp. n. from Hainan Island, and Stenohya setulosa sp. n. from the high mountains of Xizang (Tibet). Detailed diagnosis, descriptions and illustrations of the two new species are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lectotypes are designated for Chelifer brevifemoratus, Chelifer communis, Chelifer crassimanus, Chelifer foliosus, Chelifer germainii, Chelifer robustus, Chelifer (Lamprochernes) cervus, Chelifer (Lamprochernes) ovatus; the species are redescribed and their generic placement is discussed. Gomphochernes depressimanus (With, 1908) and Gomphochernes perproximus Beier, 1932 are considered as subjective junior synonyms of G. robustus. Chelifer ovatus is transferred to the genus Americhernes Muchmore (nov. comb.). Chelifer brevifemoratus is removed from synonymy of Lamprochernes savignyi (E. Simon) and transferred to the genus Parachernes (nov. comb.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fully troglobitic pseudoscorpions are rare in the Afrotropical Region, and we explored the identity and phylogenetic relationships of specimens of a highly modified troglobite of the family Gymnobisiidae in the dark zone of the Wynberg Cave system, on Table Mountain, South Africa. This large pseudoscorpion - described as Gymnobisium inukshuk Harvey & Giribet, sp. nov. – lacks eyes and has extremely long appendages, and has been found together with other troglobitic fauna endemic only to this cave system. Phylogenetic analyses using the nuclear ribosomal genes 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA and the mitochondrial protein-encoding gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I unambiguously place the new species with other surface Gymnobisium from South Africa. This placement receives strong support and is stable to analytical treatments, including static and dynamic homology, parsimony and maximum likelihood, and data removal for ambiguously aligned sites. This species is the first troglobitic species of the family and one of the most highly modified pseudoscorpions from the Afrotropical Region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The invertebrates of the Macocha Abyss, Moravian Karst, Czech Republic, were collected in 2007-2008 and 222 species were identified in total. The relative abundance of individual taxa of land snails, harvestmen, pseudoscorpions, spiders, millipedes, centipedes, terrestrial isopods, beetles, and ants was evaluated. The cold-adapted mountain and subterranean species inhabit the bottom and lower part of the abyss, whereas the sun-exposed rocky margins were inhabited by thermophilous species. Macocha harbors several threatened species that are absent or very rare in the surrounding habitats. In the forest landscape, the Macocha Abyss represents a natural habitat with a distinct microclimatic gradient, and is an excellent refuge area for psychrophilous as well as thermophilous species, which significantly contributes to maintenance of landscape biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight pseudoscorpions in amber from Chiapas State, Mexico, are described. These include the first fossil records of the tribe Tyrannochthoniini (Chthoniidae). Paraliochthonius miomaya n. sp. is described from an adult male and a protonymph in separate pieces of amber from Simojovel. The protonymph is the first to be recorded for a species of Paraliochthonius Beier, 1956 and shows that this stage is free-living and non-regressive in this genus. The presence of a Paraliochthonius species in Simojovel amber adds support to the hypothesis that at least part of this amber is derived from a mangrove environment, since the extant epigean species of this genus are restricted to littoral habitats. An unnamed species of Tyrannochthonius Chamberlin, 1929 is described from an adult female in amber from Rio Salado, near Totolapa, Chiapas. Nymphal pseudoscorpions in amber from Simojovel are tentatively assigned to the extant genera Lustrochernes Beier, 1932 (Chernetidae) and Paratemnoides Harvey, 1991 (Atemnidae), and an unidentified genus of Cheliferini (Cheliferidae). The genus Mayachernes Riquelme, Piedra-Jiménez and Córdova-Tabares, 2014, which was erected for the first species of pseudoscorpion to be named from Mexican amber, is synonymized with Byrsochernes Beier, 1959, resulting in the new combination Byrsochernes maatiatus (Riquelme, Piedra-Jiménez and Córdova-Tabares, 2014). A list is given of extant pseudoscorpions collected close to mangroves at La Cadena and from Hymenaea courbaril trees at Coquitos (Biosphere Reserve La Encrucijada), both in Chiapas State. These include the first Mexican records of the species Americhernes oblongus (Say, 1821) and the genus Dolichowithius Chamberlin, 1931. Paratemnoides elongatus (Banks, 1895) and Trinidatemnus separatus van den Tooren, 2008 are synonymized with P. nidificator (Balzan, 1888) (new subjective synonymies). Trinidatemnus van den Tooren, 2008 therefore becomes a junior synonym of Paratemnoides Harvey, 1991 (new subjective synonymy). The first record of P. nidificator from the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phoresy is considered a non-parasitic partnership between a small animal (phoront) and a large one (host) that result in phoront transportation by the host. Throughout two years of observation and nursing of 16 family groups of the passalid Odontotaenius striatopunctatus, we noticed the presence of the pseudoscorpion Lustrochernes grossus within 11 of their 16 nests, which consisted of rotten wood logs (30 cm long x 15-20 cm in diameter) cut into 2 cm segments and secured with rubber bands to facilitate observation. The presence of pseudoscorpions became evident from the moment the passalids started building their nests creating space and food for their young. Evidence was found that pseudoscorpions can go under the elytra of passalids. Their presence did not prevent the reproduction of the beetles, performed in 13 of the 16 set nests (Fischer's exact test: P = 0.71, N = 16): neither was the number of passalids offspring modified (Mann Whitney U = 11.50, P = 0.2553). On three occasions during spring, L. grossus females carrying brood sac was documented. In this facultative relationship, phoresy and phagophilia could be involved; some hypotheses on the factors that may interfere with it are posed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new cave-dwelling species of pseudoscorpion belonging to the family Neobisiidae - Neobisium rajkodimitrijevici n. sp. - is described from the Rajkova Pećina Cave near Majdanpek in Eastern Serbia. A diagnosis of the new species is presented. This taxon is a relict and endemic to the area studied. Additionally, some taxonomic, biogeographical, and phoretic traits of the new species are discussed in the light of evolution of the karst relief of the Balkan Peninsula.

Based on the examination of over 23,000 specimens, distribution, frequency/dominance, morphometric data and ecology of the East German false scorpions are presented. Most samples were collected by the authors, the rest are from Museums and other persons. 38 species were recorded. The preferred habitats and strata of the most species are described. Phoresy was observed for Allochernes peregrinus, Lamprochernes chyzeri, L. nodosus and Pselaphochernes scorpioides. Nine species live in ant nests. Zoogeographic aspects of the species assemblage are discussed in the world wide context. Distribution limits of four species run across the area of investigation.

The chernetid pseudoscorpion Lamprochernes chyzeri (Tömösváry, 1882) is recorded for the first time from the Republic of Macedonia. Simultaneously it represents the first record of the genus Lamprochernes for Macedonia. The description of the collected male from compost heap is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The first dated phylogeny of the tribe Tyrannochthoniini. • Western Ghats Tyrannochthoniini have a Gondwanan origin. • Ancient diversification patterns predating the Plio-Pleistocene climate fluctuations. • 'Museum' model of diversification supported by declining diversification rates. • Palghat Gap of the Western Ghats not an absolute barrier for dispersals. The tropical forests of the Western Ghats (WG) of India are considered 'refugia' harbouring highly diverse and endemic taxa but these refugia are under immense anthropogenic pressure. Most phylogenetic studies have explained diversity patterns across the WG using vertebrates, however, the processes impacting the highly endemic invertebrate fauna are still poorly understood. Here we investigate the evolutionary history of an ancient and widespread arachnid lineage (Pseudoscorpiones: Chthoniidae: Tyrannochthoniini) in the WG through a variety of biogeographical and diversification analyses, including sequence data from three markers for 45 terminals from the WG and 22 from Africa, East and Southeast Asia, Australasia and the Neotropics. Our results show that WG Tyrannochthoniini are rendered paraphyletic by African taxa, a result consistent with continental drift. WG Tyrannochthoniini are further split into two major clades, a southern WG clade and an African-central WG clade, due to vicariance along a major biogeographical barrier, the Palghat Gap. Central WG pseudoscorpions diverged from their African relatives at the Jurassic-Cretaceous boundary, coinciding with the separation of India from Africa. Despite ancient vicariance, six dispersal events occurred across the Palghat Gap, beginning in the Early Cretaceous as India was rafting towards Southeast Asia and ending by the early Miocene, implying that the Palghat Gap became impermeable to dispersal for these humid-adapted organisms during Miocene aridification. Although the ancestor of WG Tyrannochthoniini originated in lowland WG forests, three dispersal events into high montane Shola forests occurred most likely as a result of Late Cretaceous orogenesis and Neogene uplift, allowing lineages to occupy niches at higher elevations. An exponentially declining diversification rate, typical of older lineages, supports the 'museum' model of diversification for WG Tyrannochthoniini. Our study sheds light on the historical biogeography of relictual soil-arthropods in the WG and emphasises the role of WG forest refugia in preserving ancient invertebrate biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A complete mitogenome of a cave dwelling pseudoscorpion Bisetocreagris titanium is reported here. The mitogenome is a circular DNA molecule with a length of 14,756 base pairs (bp), and it contains 13 protein coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), 2 ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), and 1 putative control region. Phylogenetic analysis of 30 Arachnida species was performed based on the amino acid datasets of 13 PCGs, and the result indicated Pseudoscorpiones is the sister lineage of Acariformes. This result is congruent with the former phylogenetic results of mitogenomes, but incongruent with the results of morphological characters and/or ribosomal DNA data that indicated Pseudoscorpiones are positioned in a clade with the Solifugae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pseudoscorpionApatochernes vastusBeier, 1976 (Chernetidae) is recorded for the first time on the pelage of the endemic New Zealand lesser short-tailed bat,Mystacina tuberculata. Despite previous descriptions of numerous species of pseudoscorpions throughout New Zealand, the distribution, abundance and life history strategies of pseudoscorpions is poorly known. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chelifer söderbomi Schenkel, 1937 (n. syn.), Diplotemnus insolitus Chamberlin, 1933 (n. syn.), Diplotemnus vachoni Dumitresco & Orghidan, 1969 (n. syn.) and Miratemnus piger var. sinensis Schenkel, 1953 (n. syn.) are proposed as junior synonyms of Chelifer balcanicus Redikorzev, 1928 which is newly transferred from Rhacochelifer, forming the new combination Diplotemnus balcanicus (Redikorzev, 1928) (n. comb). The species is reported from Hungary for the first time. The morphometric and morphological characters of specimens from Hungary and Romania are documented, and new illustrations are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1990 the Federal State of Hesse (Germany) started a long-term faunistic research programme in selected Strict Forest Reserves. Here we report the results of the inventory of pseudoscorpions from seven reserves: Goldbachs- und Ziebachsrück, Hasenblick, Hohestein, Kinzigaue, Niddahänge east of Rudingshain, Schönbuche and Stirnberg. A total of 4567 specimens (315-1314 per site) belonging to 13 species (4-9 per site) were recorded using a broad spectrum of methods. The bulk of material comes from pitfall traps (83 %), followed by various types of stem eclectors (16 %). The structure and quality of the species assemblage in the oak-dominated flood plain forest of the Kinzigaue differs strongly from those of the remaining reserves, which are all dominated by beech. In the Kinzigaue a species-rich community (9 species) with balanced dominance structure (Shannon-Index 1.67) has been recorded. At this site, rare or moderately common species reach abundance proportions of more than 50 %. Most importantly, two species with strong affinities to pristine forests, Dendrochernes cyrneus and Chernes cimicoides, were exclusively recorded from this reserve. In contrast, the beech-dominated reserves were strongly dominated by a single species, Neobisium carcinoides (59-91 % of the specimens, Shannon-Index < 1), and the abundance proportion of the very common species exceeded 90 % in each of these areas. Temperature and altitude determine the composition of the species communities significantly. Of the recorded species, two will be categorized in the forthcoming Red Lists of pseudoscorpions of Germany and Hesse. Dendrochernes cyrneus (cat. 3 "vulnerable") reached an abundance proportion of 20 % in the reserve Kinzigaue. Dinocheirus panzeri (cat. G "indeterminate risk") has been recorded in single specimens from the reserves Hasenblick, Stirnberg and Niddahänge. The preferred habitat for most of the species is the forest. Species with strong affinities to forests make up more than 95 % of the specimens in all reserves except for Kinzigaue, where this proportion was 89 %. Species richness and abundances were not different between the Strict Forest Reserves (management was stopped at the end of the 1980's) and the reference areas with continued forestry. However, the proportions of rare and moderately common species were higher in the Strict Reserves as compared to the reference areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Nannowithius group of the pseudoscorpion family Withiidae is newly defined, consisting of Nannowithius Beier, 1932 from northern Africa and the Middle East, and Termitowithius Muchmore, 1990 from east Africa. The group is characterized by the lack of a tactile seta on the posterior tarsi, and they are the only withiids to possess this character state. Both genera are associated as inquilines with social insects, Nannowithius with ants and Termitowithius with termites. Withius caecus Beier, 1929 and Plesiowithius dekeyseri Vachon, 1954 are redescribed and transferred to the genus Nannowithius, forming the new combinations N. caecus (Beier) and N. dekeyseri (Vachon). Plesiowithius is treated as a new synonym of Nannowithius. A revised description and new illustrations of Termitowithius kistneri Muchmore, 1990 are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudoscorpions of the family Withiidae are distributed in most regions of the world, but are less common in the Australian region. Apart from the cosmopolitan genus Withius Kew, 1911, the fauna is dominated by the endemic genera Metawithius Chamberlin, 1931 and Hyperwithius Beier, 1951. A review of material of both genera reveals that Metawithius is a senior synonym of Hyperwithius, and is defined by the presence of a patch of rugose cuticle on the internal surface of the male maxilla. The genus contains the following taxa: M. murrayi (Pocock, 1900), M. philippinus Beier, 1937, M. spiniventer Redikorzev, 1938, M. spiniventer pauper Beier, 1953, three species newly transferred from Hyperwithius to Metawithius, M. annamensis (Redikorzev, 1938), comb. nov., M. tonkinensis (Beier, 1951), comb. nov. and M. dawydoffi (Beier, 1951), comb. nov., and M. nepalensis (Beier, 1974) which is newly transferred from Withius. The remaining species previously attributed to Metawithius are transferred to other genera, primarily because they lack the patch of rugose cuticle. The subgenus Metawithius (Microwithius) Redikorzev, 1938 is once again raised to generic level, and provisionally contains four species, M. yurii Redikorzev, 1938 from southeast Asia, and M. indicus (Murthy and Ananthakrishnan, 1977), comb. nov., M. chamundiensis (Sivaraman, 1980), comb. nov. and M. bulli (Sivaraman, 1980), comb. nov. from India. Metawithius (Microwithius) tweediei Beier, 1955 also lacks the rugose patch of cuticle and is provisionally transferred to Withius, forming the new combination W. tweediei (Beier, 1955). Two new species from northern Australian rainforests are found to be most similar to Metawithius but instead of an internal patch of rugose cuticle, they have an external patch. These new species, R. bulbosus sp. nov. (type species) and R. longissimus sp. nov., are placed in a new genus, Rugowithius. Afrowithius Chamberlin, 1931 is regarded as a new synonym of Withius, and the type species Chelifer paradoxus Ellingsen, 1912 from South Africa is treated as a senior synonym of Withius crassipes (Lawrence, 1937). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species, Chthonius (Ephippiochthonius) negarinae sp. nov., is described from Iran. In addition, illustrations and measurements are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Birds harbour a wide array of other taxa in their nests or in their plumage, which either have an ectoparasitic or commensal relationship with the host. We report on the discovery of a cheliferid pseudoscorpion found in the plumage and nests of the sociable weaver bird (Philetairus socius) in southern Africa. The nests of these communal birds are the largest of any bird, and may contain up to 500 individuals. The pseudoscorpion is likely to have a mutualistic relationship with the birds, most likely preying on other small invertebrates in the nests. Molecular data derived from two populations of the pseudoscorpion found divergence levels of 1.1% in cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1), and an analysis of CO1 and two rRNA genes (18S and 28S) found a close relationship with Chelifer and Parachelifer in the tribe Cheliferini, which is supported by the morphology of the male genitalia. The molecular analysis also suggests that Beierius may not belong to the Cheliferini. The pseudoscorpion found in association with the sociable weaver represents a new genus and species, Sociochelifer metoecus Harvey, sp. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Sphaerowithius Mahnert, 1988, S. ansieae sp. n., is described from specimens collected in caves in northern Namibia. The specimens show some slight modifications to an obligate cavernicolous existence including small eyes and long, slender pedipalps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a study of the arthropod fauna associated with mounds of detritus produced by Atta colombica (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in the Santa Isabel estate, locality of Patio Bonito, Córdoba, were found representatives of the family Cheiridiidae. Therefore, these pseudoscorpions becomes in the first report of the family to Colombia and for the first time is recorded its presence in ant detritus. Also, this report extends its known distribution range in South America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Synsphyronus, S. gurdoni, is described from Barrow Island, Western Australia. The species occurs extensively across the eastern region of the island where it inhabits soil and litter habitats. Molecular data derived from four specimens found divergence levels of up to 0.46% in Cytochrome Oxidase 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The species of the genus Pseudoblothrus Beier, 1931 from Italy are revised. Two species are present in this area: P. peyerimhoffi (Simon, 1905) (Piedmont) and P. regalini Inzaghi, 1983 (Lombardy).The following synonymy is proposed: Pseudoblothrus ellingseni (Beier, 1929) is a junior subjective synonym of P. peyerimhoffi (Simon, 1905) (syn. nov.). A key to all species of the genus Pseudoblothrus is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pseudoscorpiones are a remarkable yet understudied order of arachnids. The northernmost species in North America, Wyochernes asiaticus (family Chernetidae), occurs under rocks beside rivers or creeks and can be found above the Arctic Circle in Canada. In North America, the species is limited to the northwest, although its global distribution includes parts of Asia. It is presumably a Beringian species with quite specialized habitat affinities. I report on some life history traits of this species, based on examination of nearly 600 specimens from 16 localities in the Yukon and Northwest Territories. All life stages were collected. Of the females, 17% were carrying brood sacs, with an average of 10.5 eggs per brood sac; larger females tended to have larger clutch sizes. Despite these data on the natural history and distribution of W. asiaticus, its phylogeographic history and how the species feeds, disperses, and recolonizes habitats after flooding remain largely unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The communities of bark-dwelling spiders and false scorpions on standing trunks of living and dead oaks (Quercus robur) of various stages were studied in an ancient woodland in the lowland of NW-Germany. The investigations were carried out from march to october 1996 by use of 28 emergencs traps. For comparative purpose one stem-eclector was used. All traps were installed at a height of 2 meters. The appropriateness of these methods for collecting spiders is discussed. A total of 1828 spiders (41 species) and 57 false scorpions (1 species) were encountered. Abundance gradients are analysed with regard to bark-structure, insolation and age of dead wood. Three species are first recorded in the NW-German Plan: Dipoena torva, Haplodrassus cognatus and Synema globosum. Hitherto the predominant spieders Thyreosthenius parasiticus and Haplodrassus cognatus have not been found on bark abundantly. Thus, the structure of the bark-dwelling fauna varies considerably with region, biotope structure and historical aspects. The occurence of Dendrochernes cymeus, which in Britain is associtated with ancient woodlands, indicates that this species could be restricted to such woodlands in Northern Germany, too.

Pseudoscorpions are an ancient and globally distributed lineage of arachnids with more than 4000 species. Despite being present in virtually all terrestrial habitats, their morphology and anatomy has rarely been studied to date, which hampers homology statements both within and between other arachnid orders. All pseudoscorpions share a morphological peculiarity, the fixation of the coxae of all the walking legs. The same morphological condition is seen in certain other arachnid taxa, such as Solifugae or Scorpiones – potential sistergroups of Pseudoscorpiones. To investigate the musculature apparatus of this unusual feature, we reconstructed the musculature in the coxae of walking legs in three species of pseudoscorpions that represent the three major clades within this order. Using micro-computed tomography (μCT), we show that pseudoscorpions have the highest number of coxal muscles amongst the arachnid orders (12 vs. fewer than 10 in others), and that the muscular composition of the first two legs differs from that in the hind legs, correlating with the difference in function, i.e. pulling in the front legs and pushing in the hind legs. Pseudoscorpions are also unique amongst the arachnids in lacking endoskeletal structures (coxal apodeme or costa coxalis) inside the coxae. We observed that within pseudoscorpions, there is a trend towards a reduction of the number of coxal muscles, with the most basal-branching taxon having the highest number and more derived taxa exhibiting lower counts. We hypothesize the muscular ground pattern for Pseudoscorpiones and discuss the evolution of this system by comparing it to the (scanty) data on other arachnids available in the literature. • The coxal musculature was studied in three species of pseudoscorpions that represent the three major clades. • Using micro-computed tomography, we show that pseudoscorpions have the highest number of coxal muscles amongst the arachnid orders. • The muscular composition of the anterior legs differs from that in the posterior legs, indicating functional differences. • We observed that within pseudoscorpions, there is an evolutionary trend towards reduction of the number of coxal muscles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusess a new host-symbiont interaction theory by recording Dinocheirus panzeri with Cyanistes caeruleus nests. Topics discussed include global review of pseudoscorpions in bird nests; association of Dinocheirus panzeri with wild birds in Great Britain and avian species; and analysis of suitability of avian nests for pseudoscorpions.

Examining cave samples from the Bakony Museum of the Hungarian Natural History Museum, Hungary two pseudoscorpion species were found; Chthonius ressli Beier, 1956 and Neobisium carcinoides (Hermann, 1804). C. ressli is new to the pseudoscorpion fauna of Hungary. The morphological characters of the specimens found are discussed in detail and drawings of the C. ressli specimens are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports on the pseudoscorpion fauna of the subterranean ecosystems of northern Arizona, U.S.A. Our work resulted in the descriptions of two new species, Hesperochernes bradybaughi sp. nov. and Tuberochernes cohni sp. nov. (Chernetidae) and the range expansion of one species, Larca cavicola (Muchmore 1981) (Larcidae). All of these species were cave-adapted and found within caves on Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument in northwestern Arizona. Based upon this work, the genus Archeolarca Hoff and Clawson is newly synonymized with Larca Chamberlin, and the following species are transferred from Archeolarca to Larca, forming the new combinations L. aalbui (Muchmore 1984), L. cavicola (Muchmore 1981), L. guadalupensis (Muchmore 1981) and L. welbourni (Muchmore 1981). Despite intensive sampling on the monument, the two new species were detected in only one cave. This cave supports the greatest diversity of troglomorphic arthropod species on the monument--all of which are short-range endemics occurring in only one cave. Maintaining the management recommendations provided by Peck and Wynne (2013) for this cave should aid in the long-term persistence of these new pseudoscorpion species, as well as the other troglomorphic arthropods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the discovery of a species of pseudoscorpion of the genus Calocheiridius Beier & Turk in Iran's Markazi province. Topics cited include the distribution of the species across the Palaearctic and Oriental regions, as well as Iran's pseudoscorpion fauna, the methodology used to study the species and the four groups that comprises the genus Calocheiridius Beier & Turk. Also mentioned are descriptions of various pseudoscorpion species.

Mayachernes maatiatus, a new genus and species of pseudoscorpion of the family Chernetidae (Arachnida: Pseudoscorpionida), is described from the Miocene Chiapas - Amber Lagerstätte, south of Mexico. This new fossil species represents an adult male specimen with hard-soft tissues preserved in great detail. It differs from all other living chernetids by a combination of diagnostic characters. Anatomical data were collected using high-resolution microscopy with regular to infrared-reflected light. Mayachernes maatiatus is the first newly described fossil species of pseudoscorpion from the Chiapas amber. This taxon also adds to knowledge of the Chernetidae diversity in the southernmost part of North America at the Neogene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research which investigated the distribution and characteristics of Minniza persica species discovered in Iran. Topics explored include the habitat preference of the Olpiidae family where the specie belongs, the sample collection and preservation process performed, and the physical description recorded including brief details about its body length, sternites, and femur.

A new species of the pseudoscorpion genus Anatemnus, A. subvastus, is described from subterranean environments in the Pilbara bioregion of Western Australia. Like Oratemnus cavernicola from New South Wales, it lacks eye spots, and has slightly elongated appendages and pallid colouration. It is known from only a small area of less than 20 km². We also attribute Oratemnus cavernicola to the genus Anatemnus, forming the new combination Anatemnus cavernicola (Beier, 1976), but note that the generic assignment of both species should be reviewed pending an assessment of all genera of Atemninae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudoscorpions employ phoresy for dispersal, in which one animal attaches to another for transportation. This study documents the occurrence and phoresy by Americhernes aff. incertus (Pseudoscorpiones: Chernetidae) on the fly Fannia canicularis (Diptera: Fanniidae) in a fragment of semi-deciduous seasonal Atlantic Forest, in the state of Pernambuco, northeast Brazil. The pseudoscorpions were found attached to the ventral surface of six individual flies. To our knowledge, no previous studies have shown the presence of Americhernes aff. incertus in the northeast Atlantic Forest and its use of flies as a dispersal method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chelifers (Pseudoscorpions) are generalist predators of small prey such as mites. Their occasional presence in honeybee hives suggests potential to exploit them as part of a management programme against Varroa mites ( Varroa destructor), a significant pest of honeybees. Two species of native New Zealand chelifers Nesochernes gracilis and Heterochernes novaezealandiae, shown to consume Varroa mites, were collected from commercial nucleus hives or in litter surrounding the hives. Methods for mass-rearing the chelifers were developed to provide specimens for research and introduction into beehives for biological control of Varroa. Cultures were fed aphids and fruit fly larvae in vented containers containing sand and bark. N. gracilis was maintained at 14°C, 18°C, and 22°C. At 18°C, 1423 nymphs were reared from 140 N. gracilis adults, with 84.8% of all nymphs produced at this temperature. H. novaezealandiae was maintained at 18°C and 22°C, with 5 nymphs raised from 12 adults at 18°C and none at the higher temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first blind African species of Ideoroncidae is described from a cave in northwestern Botswana, Botswanoncus ellisi, representing a new genus and a new species. Apart from the complete lack of eyes, it is also unusual in having the lowest recorded number of trichobothria of any adult ideoroncid with 17 on the fixed finger and nine on the movable finger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The taxonomy of the cheliferid pseudoscorpion genus Chelifer Geoffroy 1762 is reviewed with a single cosmopolitan species, Chelifer cancroides (Linnaeus 1758), with the subspecies C. cancroides orientalis Morikawa 1954 from Japan newly synonymised with C. cancroides. Adults and the final two nymphal stages (tritonymph and deutonymph) are redescribed based on numerous specimens from Europe, North America, Asia and Australasia. The large size variation evident in the samples is documented. The latero-ventral process of the tarsal claws characteristically found in adults (except leg I of the male) is lacking in nymphs, a pattern that is also confirmed in the genera Lissochelifer Chamberlin 1932, Lophochernes Simon 1878 and Parachelifer Chamberlin 1932. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]